Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fences?

Your home insurance might cover the damage to your fence if a covered cause of loss caused it. Things like a storm, a fire, or vandalism could cause damage. On the other hand, if the damage resulted from normal wear and tear or neglect, it is unlikely to be covered.

Fences can incur damage in several ways. Weather, accidents, vandalism, or general neglect are just a few examples. Hail or lightning storms are examples of stormy weather. Many have suffered from fires that broke out either on their property or a neighbor's. Damage from termites, corrosion, and long-term use can cause wood rot, termite damage, and rust (which is not covered by homeowners insurance)

What If The Neighbor's Tree Falls on Your Fence?

If your fence sustains damages by a tree on your neighbor's property, you may question what to do. Most homeowners insurance policies cover fence damage caused by a neighbor's tree that falls on your property due to a severe storm or other natural disasters, such as high winds, heavy rain, or snowfall.

In most cases, if your neighbor's tree were infected or destroyed, your insurance would typically pay the costs. It is possible to file a claim against your neighbor's insurance if their tree fell on your fence and damaged it. There are two scenarios in which an insurance company may attempt to recover money from your neighbor for you if you submit a claim against their homes policy:

What If Your Tree Falls on Your Neighbor's Fence?

If your tree falls into your neighbor's fence and damages it, your neighbor's insurance policy is likely to cover the damage.

While trees in your yard can provide shade and other environmental and aesthetic benefits, they might pose a danger to your home or your neighbor's property if you don't properly maintain them. In a storm, trees pose a serious threat.

What Is the Maximum Amount of Fence Damage That My Insurance Will Pay For?

Other buildings like fences are typically protected for up to 10% of your home's insurance limit. If you need to have a fence repaired or replaced, your insurance company's depreciation will be factored in, as well as your deductible.

Filing a Claim for Fence Damage With Your Homeowner's Insurance

A fallen tree or some other insured loss may have caused significant damage to your fence. In this case, you should call your insurance agent or business as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Your claim representative should be able to walk you through the process if you decide to file a claim. They could want to see your fence installation invoices and take images of the harm you've already sustained. Consult your local independent insurance agent or your homeowners' insurance representative to see if your policy has enough coverage or obtain a quote.